Go explore: Byron Bay

In Byron Bay, the pace of life seems to be turned down a notch or two. This is a place where shoes seem to be optional and where the eclectic mix of people, from the rich and famous to models, hippies, backpackers, entrepreneurs and the regular traveller, can all kick back together and embody everything Byron Bay has to offer.

As we’re now in the height of summer, it made sense to cover one of NSW’s most sort after summer destinations. With excellent restaurants, beaches and a vibe that makes you feel automatically relaxed, here are some of our favourite places to eat, drink, relax and enjoy everything that makes Byron – Byron.

HARVEST

The drive from Byron town along Coopers Shoot Road to Harvest will probably make you fall in love with Bryon just that little bit more. The scenery, homes, and views over the Hinterland are amazing. When pulling up to Harvest, it resembles a 1900s cottage, which is now converted to a restaurant. Featuring a large verandah that wraps around the building, opt for an outdoor table so you can enjoy the view over the bakery or veggie garden. The Harvest menu follows the ethos of local, seasonal, sustainable, self-sufficient and fresh, and this is undoubtedly what each dish exudes. I highly recommend booking in advance, as you don’t want to miss out on experiencing this venue. On-site, there is a delicatessen where you can pick up local cheese, cured meats and also bread from the on-grounds bakery. I hear you need to get in early for the baked goods, as they sell out fast.

When three of the senior team members of Three Blue Ducks get together to open their own venue in Lennox Head, 20 minutes south of Byron, you know it’s going to be good. Located adjacent from the beach, the café/restaurant embraces, in the words of co-founder Andy Love, “clean, fresh, simple, local and seasonal produce.” “Our chefs have a vast influence from around the world. We are a ‘modern Australian’ restaurant, which pretty much means we can do whatever we like! No rules and no one line of influence.” Regarding wine and beer, “It’s an all Australian line-up. We only sell independent brewers and minimal intervention winemakers. No additives, natural ferments and even little skin contact.”

After a day of riding waves or catching the sun at Wategos beach, there’s nothing better than to enjoy a nice cold one beachside at the Beach Hotel. Catching some rays on the outdoor seating and people watching is the perfect way to while away the afternoon. Keep an eye on their gig guide online, as they have some cracking artists.

Being a Bronte local, the Three Blue Ducks Bronte flagship is where you’ll find me most mornings on the weekend. I was excited to check out what all the fuss was about at the Byron Bay store, and boy oh boy it didn’t disappoint. It was love at first sight, as it’s pretty much the Bronte venue on steroids and then some.

Set on a real working farm, they cultivate their own produce or source it from surrounding producers in the Northern NSW bowl, so there is a huge emphasis on fresh produce. The menu changes based on what’s in season, and there’s a board that displays what has been picked directly from the farm. Again, I recommend popping in early for breakfast, as this place is popular. If there is a wait, put your name down on the list, order a coffee, roam through the organic produce store and florist, or purchase something from the bakery to tie you over. Given the venue is quite large, the tables are turned over pretty quickly, so the wait won’t be long.

If you’re looking for a great breakfast, Bayleaf is a must visit. The breakfast is arguably the best in town, and the friendly service is top notch. I definitely recommend arriving before 10am, as it’s a local hotspot. If you don’t get seated straight away, the good news is you don’t have to wait long for coffee. You can order a hot one at their sister café next door, Leaf & Grain, while you wait.

A local favourite, St. Elmo is a stylish yet relaxed dining room and bar located in the heart of Byron Bay. With an offering of cocktails to suit any taste, the talented bar staff at St. Elmo will stir or shake up a well-crafted cocktail for you to enjoy.

Hungry? St. Elmo plate up modern fresh and flavoursome Spanish tapas dishes, designed to share in a relaxed and intimate environment. To compliment the flavours of each dish, the team at St. Elmo have carefully curated a wine menu that showcase 15 different wines by the glass and over 100 bottled wines from across the globe.

If you’re in Byron while the markets are on (the first Sunday of each month) it is well worth a visit. Entry is free, but a gold coin is much appreciated at the entrance on Butler and Somerset Street. The market boasts an array of stalls from handcrafted items, essentials oils, clothing and imported items sourced from across the globe. You won’t go hungry or thirsty, with a number of stores offering tasty homemade treats, organic produce grown locally, kombucha, sugar cane juice and coffee carts, for that morning or afternoon caffeine hit. The markets start at 8am and I recommend you arrive early and roam isle to isle, so you don’t miss a stall. I guarantee you won’t leave empty-handed.

Butler Street Reserve,
Byron Bay NSW 2481

OUR HIT LIST FOR NEXT TIME

In spending only a week in Byron and dividing our time between eating and drinking our way around town and chasing the sun at Wategos and Main Beach, we simply couldn’t make it to all the places we wanted to visit. So we’ve got a great excuse to go back to Byron, and try out old and new venues that open between now and then.

FLEET

* TIP: Bookings are essential as we hear it books out weeks in advance
2/16 The Terrace, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483